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Joseph A. Goldthwait Papers, 1861-1866

 Collection
Identifier: MM 32

Scope and Content Note

The Joseph A. Goldthwait Papers include correspondence, invoice, and receipt books for subsistence stores, and special and general orders related to Joseph A. Goldthwait's role within the U. S. Army Subsistence Department. This collection has been divided into two series.

Series I. Army Subsistence Department Invoices and Receipts includes invoices and receipts of provisions provided and received, such as purchases for hospital stores, equipment for troops, pay rolls, and general provisions.

Series II. Army Subsistence Department Correspondence and Orders includes correspondence, special orders, and general orders sent to Goldthwait, along with a list of officers and employees.

Dates

  • Creation: 1861-1866

Creator

Restrictions on Access

This collection is open for research use.

Biographical Sketch

Joseph Alexander Goldthwait was born in Salem, Massachusetts on August 20, 1813 to Ezekiel Goldthwait (1774-1845) and Mary Fuller (1774-1861). He was a member of the Salem Mechanic Light Infantry before becoming the first regimental quartermaster for the 23rd Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. He was appointed Post Commissary on July 7, 1862 and Acting Department Commissary on August 12, 1862. In June 1864, Goldthwait was ordered to Beaufort, South Carolina and was Commissary there when General Howard's IV Corps of Sherman's army passed through. After multiple promotions, the highest of which was brevet major in March 1865, Goldthwait resigned from service on August 15, 1865. He returned to Salem after an unsuccessful business venture in the South and was in charge of the Old Men's Home in Salem. Goldthwait died on September 2, 1879.

Extent

2.75 linear feet (3 boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

The Joseph A. Goldthwait Papers include correspondence, invoice, and receipt books for subsistence stores, and special and general orders related to Joseph A. Goldthwait's role within the U. S. Army Subsistence Department.

Series List

I. Army Subsistence Department Invoices and Receipts

II. Army Subsistence Department Correspondence and Orders

Physical Location

Phillips Library Stacks

Provenance

This material was found in the collection. Fam. Mss. 375 was incorporated into this collection.

Related Collections

Emmerton, James A. A Record of the 23rd Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865. Boston, MA: William Ware & Co. 1886.

Salem Mechanic Light Infantry Records, 1807-1890, MM 36

Massachusetts Volunteer Militia Records, 1779-1914, MM 6

Processing Information

Collection processed and cataloged by Halley Grogan, June 2012.

Title
JOSEPH A. GOLDTHWAIT PAPERS, 1861-1866
Author
Inventory prepared by Halley Grogan
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Sponsor
Processing of this collection was funded by a grant from the NHPRC (National Historical Publications and Records Commission).

Repository Details

Part of the Phillips Library Repository

Contact:
Peabody Essex Museum
306 Newburyport Turnpike
Rowley MA 01969 USA